The Jamaica Teachers’ Association, JTA, has given the Finance Ministry a deadline of midnight August 17 to present a better wage proposal for the nation’s teachers, failing which it will activate its membership to respond.

The JTA has not clarified what form that response will take.

It follows JTA representatives walking out of a meeting with Ministry representatives on Friday.

JTA’s president-elect, Mark Malabver, says the teachers are restive.

Mark Malabver.

In a statement issued after the talks, the JTA says the nation’s teachers deserve a livable wage.

The Ministry has offered 0% in year one, and 2.5% in the following three years.

The JTA says the offer is disappointing and unacceptable.

The association is demanding that a revised offer be placed on the table ahead of its Annual Conference, scheduled for August 18 to 20, 2025, at the Princess Grand Hotel in Hanover.